James Sawyer Speares
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Hilton: passed away Monday, February 24,2025 after a brief battle with Cancer at age 85.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Lucille Speares and his sister Patricia Speares. Survived by his girlfriend, Mary Lou Ferrara; his children, Christine Speares (Andrew Eddy), Jamie Speares (Chrissie Keele) and Amy Speares; nine grandchildren, Ashley Stall (Daniel), Kailie, MacKenzie, Michalia (Tyler Champagne), Matthew Glanovsky, Dylan Speares, Madison, Grayson and Kaylin Bryant; three great-granddaughters, Gracie Stall, Millie Glanovsky and Charli Stall. He is also survived his cousin Debbie Peiffer.
Jim was born September 21, 1939, in Charlotte, NY. He graduated in 1958 from Charlotte High School and enlisted in the Navy for four years in Virginia. He retired from the Local 86 Electrical Union. Jim enjoyed visiting with friends at the Yacht Club as well as the VWF. Jim loved the outdoors, skiing, sailing and traveling. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He also volunteered his time with the Honor Flights.
Friends may call Sunday (March 2nd) 12-3 at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road, where his Family Prayers will be held at 3:00 PM. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held later in the year at the convenience of his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Honorflightrochester.org in his memory.
Jim was a big part of CHS, so helpful with 1960 reunions and a good friend.
Jim was well known at CHS,several years ago Imet Jim at the Las Vegas airport
A fellow sailor, long time member of Genesee Yacht Club, and Charlotte High alumni. Jim will be missed. Very sorry for your loss.
I remember Jim from high school. I have old pictures of him from a prom date and one in my house using my father’s “simple machine” as we called it. It made our hair stand up.
I started working as a IBEW electrical apprentice in July 1971. My first job was at Building 200, at Xerox, in Webster
I was told before I started the apprenticeship that I could not have long hair or facial hair.
Then, I met Jim. He was my first foreman. He had long wavy hair and a Manchu mustache. My first thought was that he was a hippy!!
He was very jolly and carefree. He told me many stories of his life. He even try to sell me his apartments on Lake Avenue, in Rochester.
The last time I talked to him was at the IBEW Annual Picnic at Seabreeze. He still had his easy smile and sparkling eyes
I will miss him.
I am so grateful to have known Papa Jim and for all of the memories of him. .it never entered my mind that it would be the last time I would see him when I saw him last year. I guess I thought he would live for a hundred years. He had a great run though, god bless him. He is and will be missed dearly. Rest in Peace Papa 🙏🏻
An unforgettable gentleman, who would always put a smile on my face. God bless him. Prayers are being sent for your family.
Jimmy was an unforgettable gentleman, who would always put a smile on my face. God bless him. Prayers are being sent for your family.
I rented a small cottage on Lake Ontario Edgemere Dr mid 80’s from Jim. Great guy! RIP Jim
Cousin Jimmy always made us laugh, and I know he and my dad are causing mischief and playing softball wherever they are! 💕 Deepest condolences to Jamie, Christine, and Amy, from across the miles. Sorry I couldn’t be there with you all today.